Rural theft targeted in new campaign by Crimestoppers

Kimberley Barber

A CAMPAIGN has been launched by a charity to tackle crime in the countryside.

Crimestopper’s ‘Scene it. Herd it. Speak up about it. Anonymously.’ campaign is urging the public to help protect rural communities. It said rural theft cost the UK an estimated £42.3m in 2012 and can affect the price of food in supermarkets.

Det Supt Jessica Wadsworth from Hampshire Police said: ‘Eighty five per cent of Hampshire and Isle of Wight is considered rural. We all can play our part in keeping our counties a safe, peaceful and enjoyable place to live and work. Simply turning a blind eye should never be an option.’